But Hodgson knows he will need too see an improvement from his men to win in Switzerland on Monday and to get the crowds flocking back to Wembley again.

Hodgson may have to shuffle his pack for his first Euro 2016 qualifier next week too as Gary Cahill came off late on with an ankle problem.

The brass band behind the away goal and the man on the public address system raised spirits before Rooney led the team out for the first time as full-time skipper, but it did not take long for any enthusiasm to drain from the home supporters.

Per Ciljan Skjelbred brought Jack Wilshere down after he played a clever one-two with Jordan Henderson in the fourth minute.

The supporters were hush with anticipation as Leighton Baines stepped up to strike the ball, but curling effort flew five yards over.

The disappointing effort set the tone for what ended up being a dour first half.

Norway broke up England's tentative attacks by any means. Skjelbred knocked Wilshere off the ball as he approached the box and the Norway captain stopped Leighton Baines in his tracks with a flying elbow.

Sturridge and Sterling were the only lights to brighten up the first period.

Sterling backheeled the ball into Sturridge's path, but the striker's shot was blocked inside the box.

Sturridge then cushioned a 40-yard diagonal pass from Sterling, but Orjan Haskjold Nyland pressured the striker into lobbing over the bar.

Unlike England, Norway managed to register a shot on target, although it was a tame one from Tarik Elyounoussi, who volleyed straight at Joe Hart